Why in News?
- On March 21, 2026 Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) toward the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia. This was Iran’s longest-range strike attempt (~4,000 km), though both missiles failed to hit the target—one malfunctioned and the other was intercepted by a US warship.
Location & Geography
- Atoll: A horseshoe-shaped coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives.
- Territory: Historically part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which was separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965.
Strategic Military Importance
- "Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier": Hosts a massive base for long-range bombers (like B-2 and B-52), nuclear-powered submarines, and pre-positioned supply ships.
- Regional Reach: Its location allows the US to project power across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East within hours.
Historical Controversy
- Forced Displacement: Between 1967 and 1973, the UK forcibly removed the indigenous Chagossian population to Mauritius and Seychelles to make way for the base.
- Legal Rulings: In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating the UK's occupation was illegal and the islands should be returned to Mauritius.
Recent Treaty Details
- Lease Cost: The UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually (totalling ~£3.4 billion over 99 years).
- Resettlement: Mauritius is permitted to resettle the "outer islands" of the Chagos Archipelago, but Diego Garcia remains restricted solely for military use.
- Indian Support: India has consistently backed Mauritius’ claim as part of its "decolonisation" stance and welcomed the 2025 treaty.
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